Asian Games 2026: How Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh pulled off the Houdini Act to ensure Double Podium in Javelin for India

India produced a memorable one-two podium finish in the men's javelin throw at the Asian Games 2026, with Yashvir Singh winning silver and Rohit Yadav claiming bronze in a dramatic final at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

The result was particularly significant because India entered the competition without defending champion Neeraj Chopra, who withdrew from the Games after an ankle ligament injury. Instead, Yashvir and Rohit carried India's hopes in an event where the country had won gold and silver at the previous edition.

Rohit sets the early benchmark

Rohit began with a throw of 77.25m, but quickly moved into medal contention with his second attempt of 82.40m. He then produced his best throw of the evening in the third round, sending the javelin 84.35m.

That effort briefly put Rohit at the top of the standings and eventually proved good enough for the bronze medal. His remaining throws measured 82.16m and 82.15m, while his final attempt was a foul.

For Rohit, the bronze marked his first medal at a multi-sport Games, completing a comeback after injuries had kept him out of major competitions in previous years.

Pathirage changes the contest

Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage then produced the throw that changed the competition. After an opening effort of 73.53m, he sent the javelin 88.33m in the fourth round to move decisively into first place. Pathirage improved further with his final throw, recording 88.55m to seal the gold medal.

Yashvir saves his best for last: The Houdini Act

With the medals still being decided, Yashvir Singh had one final opportunity to respond.

He had started strongly with 83.56m, followed by 82.99m and 82.42m. His fourth throw reached 84.31m, before he improved to 85.14m in the fifth round.

Then came the decisive moment. On his sixth and final attempt, Yashvir produced a massive 85.72m, a personal best that moved him past Rohit and secured the silver medal. The throw also improved his previous personal best of 85.72m. He never threw that far, and cometh the hour, Yashvir rose like a maverick to snatch his share of the podium. Uncharted territory, horrible weather, pressure - he overcame all to find the sweet throw.

The final standings saw Pathirage take gold with 88.55m, Yashvir for silver with 85.72m and Rohit managed bronze with 84.35m.

The double podium means India again had two athletes among the medals in men's javelin at consecutive Asian Games. At Hangzhou, Chopra won gold and Kishore Jena silver. In Nagoya, Yashvir and Rohit ensured the Indian flag remained on the podium twice despite Chopra's absence.